Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is an exceptional activity that attracts most of visitors to Rwanda. So, if you are planning to go for the gorilla trekking activity in Rwanda, it is better that you get the ultimate guide, tips, and practical information about the whole amazing gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda so that your hopes and expectations elevate the more…
With no doubt, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most adventurous activities sought by travellers intending to spend a safari holiday in Africa. Unfortunately, (or let’s say, fortunately), this activity is only done in three countries of Africa; Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo (DRC) in the whole of Africa, and this gives enthusiastic travellers, a wholesome experience when they fulfil their ultimate needs on this trek since there are only an estimated 900 of these creatures left in the world.
To be able to participate in this high expectancy activity of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, all tourists are required to either book the gorilla permits (A MUST) with the help of a trusted tour operator or book directly with the Rwanda Development Board. A Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$ 1500 per person for all visitors. Your choice of tour operator will determine the overall cost of the entire itinerary trip including; the safari excursion(days), hotel/lodges to accommodate you, and the purchase of gorilla permits. Below, we unveil to you our enthusiastic and passionate traveller, the basic tips and guide to an awesome gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda.
Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in the Volcanoes national park (Parc National Des Volcans). The park has great scenery of the volcanoes and great sightings of the mountain gorillas for all those seeking to trek these great Apes in this area. This is the setting for the famous ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ a movie about Dian Fossey’s work in the conservation of gorillas. Rwanda has 10 gorilla groups from which travellers can trek and find during the gorilla trekking activity.
How is the Gorilla trekking experience different from other wildlife tours?
Trekking the mountain gorillas is completely different from the normal wildlife and other primates tour where you embark on a safari vehicle and go on a game drive to view the wildlife species as they play, feed and live. The Gorillas are instead habituated, a process which makes them adapt to human presence in their habitats, and only a few people can see them at a time. That is why each gorilla group out of the 10 gorilla families in Rwanda is habituated by only 8 people strictly and is allocated to utilize only one hour with the gorillas.
How long can a typical gorilla trekking activity take?
The hikes and climbs in search for the gorillas in the mountains may carry between 1 hour – 6 hours, depending on the assigned gorilla family location, and also their movement (as they always travel from place to place searching for food and a peaceful place to stay). The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!
What can one expect when going for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
First things first, it is very important that before you even plan to transfer to the park headquarters for the briefing exercise, you MUST have your gorilla permit, since this is the only gate pass to participate in the trek. As the trek is a strenuous one and may consume much of your calories, it is also advisable that you carry a packed lunch or energy-giving snack which you will eat along the trek. We also advise packing other items such as drinking water (at least 2 litres), a hat, boots, a long-sleeved shirt/blouse, a rain jacket (poncho), insect repellent, a backpack to carry most of these things, lots of camera batteries, and a walking stick. Trekking through the forest can be hard sometimes.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Before you start on your much-awaited gorilla trekking adventure, all trekkers are briefed by the guides at the park headquarters on the trekking guidelines on the dos and don’ts of the trekking adventure and also be assigned an expert lead guide to take through the whole exercise, as well as answering your questions about these endangered creatures upon meeting them. The average tracking time is about 5 hours, but most interestingly, you will also get to see other animals in addition to the mountain gorillas; like elephants, golden monkeys, etc. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as help you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.
Which Gorilla Families can one trek in Rwanda?
There are ten gorilla groups currently residing in the Volcanoes National Park and these are fully habituated and available for visits by the public. Each group consists of a male Silverback (but sometimes may be as many as four), along with several females and a group of baby gorillas. In brief, these groups are;
Susa — The largest group with 38 gorillas. They’re the hardest to trek as they tend to range high into the mountains. They have rare 5-year-old twins named Byishimo and Impano.
Sabinyo— 17 members Sabyinyo is an easily accessible group led by the powerful silverback Guhonda.
Amahoro — 19 gorillas, led by the calm and easygoing Ubumwe. To reach Amahoro it’s usually a fairly steep climb but it is well worth it!
Agashya — (formerly known as Group 13) today has 22 members – a very positive sign for conservation.
Kwitonda— 23 members led by Akarevuro, originally habituated in DRC so they tend to range quite far making it a moderately difficult trek.
Umubano —a family of 13, who broke off from Amahoro with the leader, Charles,
Hirwa —this group has 18 members and was only fairly recently formed from former Group 13 and Sabyinyo family members. They are led by Munyinya.
Read More about these gorilla families here;
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations (in Brief). Read well-explained rules here
To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
Viewing time is limited to one hour upon meeting them.
Maximum of 8 visitors per group.
Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
If a gorilla charges or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
Do not litter anywhere.
What Accommodation Options are available for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
There are plenty of options ranging from budget to mid-range and then luxury. The choice of your accommodation will determine the nature of your gorilla tour. Most companies will quote all the 3 options. Among the prominent safari lodges include Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and so many others.
What Else Can I do apart from gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda is a tourist nation with other varying destinations that include the Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and Akagera National Park. Here is what you can do in Rwanda apart from gorilla trekking;
Nyungwe Forest National Park: listed among the oldest montane forests in Africa, has a humming 13 primates and a whopping 300 bird species plus several other mammal species that you can well visit and trek. Akagera National Park: will offer you a true wildlife experience, see the elephants, lion, buffalo, topi, zebra, antelope, monkeys, bushbuck, impala and so much more. Over 500 bird species here. An enthusiastic explorer may as well visit and explore the beauty of Gishwati Mukura National Park, one of the recent parks in Rwanda.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
From Kigali, you need to get to Musanze. Musanze is a 1-2 hour drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. You can either hire a private car from Albertine Tours offices or take a public transport system. From there, you need to get to Kinigi, where the trip begins. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town.
What other bonus features come along with gorilla trekking n Rwanda?
There are quite a number of mountain gorilla-related activities, the famous one being the Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony This is an annually celebrated event which attracts high-profile prominent figures and celebrities around the world in a bid to boost tourism event where various celebrities are invited to this occasion. Booking your gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda around the months of June to September is good timing to engage and participate in this ceremony. You can also visit some of the gorilla conservation centres, the famous ones being the Dian Fossey Foundation and The International Gorilla Conservation Project among others. We wish you the best of your tour as you travel for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Contact us to start planning your tour and booking your Gorilla permit.
